Cultural plan celebrates our uniqueness

WEXFORD’S food and cultural offering is among the best in the country so why isn’t the council shouting about this?

So said Cllr George Lawlor, Cllr Lisa McDonald and Cllr Oisin O’Connell during a discussion of a draft culture and creativity strategy document which places emphasis on fostering human interaction. Presented by Library Manager Eileen Morrissey, the Culture and Creativity Strategy 2018-2022 aims to provide an overarching framework to encourage participation and growth in creativity.

CEO Tom Enright said: ‘County Wexford is rich in cultural assets and resources which are reflected in a visible way in the counties dynamic and diverse communties, its vibrant contemporary arts scene and its rich natural and cultural heritage.’

He said the council continues to acknowledge the value of culture in fostering a high quality of life and wellbeing and its importance as a driver of economic growth.

Strategic priorities for the county are listed including developing an inclusive and inspiring programme for each municipal district working with local creative partners and Visit Wexford. A Creative Communities Scheme to create targeted arts and creativity programmes aimed at priority groups, promoting creative Wexford hubs, promoting participation in events and activities organised by Wexford County Council and incentivising growth in the film and audio visual sector, are among the plans. A Creative Wexford digital strategy supported by arts and education programmes is outlined, as well as expanding the Living Arts in Education programme, targeting support to people who face particular barriers to learning, those alienated from traditional learning routes, and raising awareness of the empowering role of the arts. There are also plans to develop the therapeutic role of arts and culture in combating mental health issues and to support Culture Night events, improve public spaces through high standards of design of new spaces and promote innovation through art in public realms. It aims to continue to promote a strong sense of place through commissions under the per cent for Public Art Scheme, introduce a cultural animation programme to highlight the role of design and architecture in the development of Wexford’s unique historic and contemporary environments. promote the traditional arts, the use of the Irish language, cultural diversity by showcasing the cultures of new communities in the county, creating awareness about heritage and to maximise access to heritage resources,

Mr Carley said culture and creativity can have an overwhelmingly positive impact on people’s lives.

The council plans to continue its commemorative programme with events marking the end of World war I and the rise of Irish nationalism, among others.

The meeting heard that further funding has been made available for these events.

Cllr Oisin O’connell praised the report’s authors, saying it is very thorough.

He said County Wexford has a fantastic arts offering and Wexford town has more galleries than Cork City.

Cllr O’Connell said: ‘I am still a bit sore about the fact that the Wild Atlantic Way gets promoted so much. I would like to see Wexford get promoted more. I am also a bit sore that Galway won the Three Sisters bid. They seem to be having troubles so maybe they will give it back to us.’

He welcomed the Irish language aspect to the plan, adding that he hopes its spirit permeates into the councty council.

‘I attended a seminar on addiction and recovery and heard a quote that the opposite of addiction is human connection – so I really welcome the mental health aspect to it also.’

Cllr Malcolm Byrne welcomed the digital arts strategy, saying people will be able to access county council meeting minutes, among other materials.

Cllr Jim Moore said: ‘Identity is a very important element of our approach and how we figure in the modern world.’

He stressed the needed to continue providing access through education to roll out of the library service throughout the county.

Clr George Lawlor said Wexford, as a county, undersells itself.

‘I think there isn’t an adult across the country who doesn’t know the song Boolavogue. I am sure there are people who would like to see a daily re-enactment of activities on Vinegar Hill.’

‘And the Battle of Ross,’ Cllr Willie Fitzharris chipped in.

‘Unfortunately it survived,’ Cllr Lawlor quipped.

Encouraging the council to ‘ think outside the box’, he said Wexford should be the gastronomic capital of Ireland considering its fantastic produce and restaurant offering.

Cllr Lisa McDonald agreed with Cllr Lawlor, saying PJ McCall who wrote Boolavogue, should be celebrated, along with other aspects of Wexford culture which make the area unique including the Yola lanuage and well known traditional singer Paddy Berry.

‘PJ McCall’s mother was from Wexford and he spent his summers here so we should commemorate him next year. The music of the area is very much a speciality,’

Cllr Frank Staples said the arts are very important from a mental health point of view.

‘We all know drawing and the arts are very conducive to people with mental health problems. Trying to get young people involved should be a priority as we have huge problems trying to keep them off their phones.’

Director of Services for the Arts John Carley said: ‘Culture is what makes people unqiue and there is no doubt that Wexford people are unique. We have a unique culture that makes us unique and it is our job to promote that and enhance it for eveybody.’

Director of Services Eamonn Hore invited Cllr Lawlor to New Ross for a re-enactment of the Battle of New Ross in mid-June. He pointed out that an area of the town is mentioned in the national anthem, The Three Bullet gate (Bearna Bhaiol), something unique in the county.

The draft strategy was unaninmously supported.